1

-

0

0

1

2

3

Very little accurate description or factual content.  Many errors and significant gaps in knowledge.  Relevance to the question is tenuous.  Limited length and/or quality of English make it difficult to assess.  Errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling may be intrusive.

2

-

N

20

30

4

5

6

7

Mainly descriptive account.  Most points are generalised and supported by only a few generalised examples.  Some simplistic cause and effect understanding but only partial coverage of the topic.  Weak presentation of argument and text lacks fluency.  May be errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling.

3

E

D

40

50

8

9

10

11

Effective description and some accurate examination of main aspects of question.  Appreciation of cause and effect but the ideas are limited in range and depth.  May reach sensible but simple conclusion.  Has basic descriptive knowledge of some conceptual ideas.  Partial exemplification by location, diagram or data.  Linked sentences and paragraphs, though occasional lapses in grammar and punctuation.

4

C

B

60

70

12

13

14

15

Accurate knowledge and sound understanding of most aspects of the question.  Clear and relevant explanation and analysis supported by a range of appropriate and detailed exemplifications.  Integrates diagrams and maps into discussion.  Has confident grasp of relevant concepts and can categorize information and draw conclusions.  Quality of English is consistently sound and the work well structured.

5

A

80

16

17

18

19

20

Wide ranging and accurate descriptive knowledge.  Thorough explanation and balanced discussion of all dimensions of the question.  Concepts are understood and used to support the arguments.  Exemplification is detailed, together with a range of diagrams, maps and data used appropriately.  Comparisons of scale, in space and time, support the discussion.  English is fluent expressing complex ideas clearly and few, if any, errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling.